News in brief

Non-GMO verified sales up 21% in natural foods channel

Sales of non-GMO Project Verified products in the US natural channel surged by 21% in the 12 weeks to August 4, according to new data from SPINS.

According to findings unveiled at Organic Monitor’s Sustainable Foods Summit in San Francisco in July, Non-GMO Project Verified is the fastest growing food eco-label in North America, with sales of certified products hitting $1bn in 2011 [and likely to be far higher as SPINS data excludes Walmart and Whole Foods].

While USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) identifies genetic modification as an excluded method, USDA certified organic products are not tested for GMOs, notes the non-GMO Project on its website.

By contrast, the Non-GMO Project Verification program tests products for GMO content at points along the production chain considered to be high-risk for GMO contact.

Natural channel showing consistent double-digit sales growth

SPINS, which collects data from more than 900 natural retail stores in the US ranging from small independents to national chains, has consistently reported double-digit dollar growth within the natural retail channel every four-week period throughout 2012.

“Growth rates in the natural channel have hovered around 15% during the most recent twelve week period [ending 8/4/12 versus the same period in 2011] and are showing no signs of slow down.”